The ‘Perch Hill Dahlia’ is a highly sought-after and beautiful variety, captivating gardeners with its distinctive charm. Its unique aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite for garden beds and floral arrangements, adding an elegant and sophisticated touch to outdoor spaces.
Perch Hill Dahlia Characteristics
The ‘Perch Hill Dahlia’ features a complex coloration, with apricot-flushed, reddish-pink blooms that gently fade to a pale buff pink as they mature. The flower form is typically informal decorative or decorative, contributing to its lush, full appearance. These dahlias produce medium-sized blooms, generally measuring around 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The plants typically reach 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall, supported by strong, sturdy stems. The dark green foliage, with pinnate leaves divided into ovate, toothed leaflets, complements the vibrant blooms.
Planting Your Perch Hill Dahlia
Successful planting begins with selecting the right location. Full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, is necessary for optimal growth and abundant blooms. Well-draining soil is important to prevent tuber rot, so select a site that doesn’t retain excess moisture.
Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Incorporate rich organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and improve drainage. A balanced all-purpose granular fertilizer can also be mixed into the planting area.
The ideal planting time is after the last spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 15°C (60°F). Dig a hole and place the tuber horizontally, ensuring the “eye” or sprout faces upward. Plant the tuber approximately 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm) below the soil surface. Space individual tubers about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, though some recommendations suggest up to 30 inches (75 cm) for better air circulation. After placing the tuber, backfill the hole, gently pressing the soil around it to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly once. Avoid additional watering until the first green shoots emerge, as overwatering at this early stage can lead to tuber rot.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for ‘Perch Hill Dahlias’ once they are actively growing. After the initial sprouts appear, provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, especially during dry periods. Deep watering two to three times a week is more effective than shallow daily watering, encouraging deeper root development. Keep foliage dry to prevent disease.
Begin a regular feeding schedule once plants reach about 24 inches (60 cm) tall. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or fish emulsion monthly early in the season. As the season progresses, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer every four to six weeks to promote blooms over excessive foliage.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Snip faded flowers just above the nearest set of healthy leaves or buds. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to developing new blooms.
Due to their height and bloom weight, ‘Perch Hill Dahlias’ benefit from staking. Insert stakes, such as bamboo canes or sturdy metal rods, at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. As the plant grows, tie stems to the stakes every 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) using soft ties, ensuring they are loose enough for stem expansion. For larger plantings, a corral system using T-posts and twine can provide collective support.
While generally robust, dahlias can encounter common garden pests and diseases. Inspect plants regularly for aphids, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs. Slugs and snails might feed on young foliage; barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth can deter them. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be controlled by hosing down plants or using miticides if necessary. Powdery mildew, a common fungal issue, can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation around plants and keeping foliage dry.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
In colder climates where ground freezes, ‘Perch Hill Dahlias’ are not hardy and require lifting for winter storage. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut top growth back to about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) from the ground. Carefully dig up the tubers.
Once lifted, allow tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free location; this curing prepares them for storage. Remove any excess soil before storing.
Store the tubers in a cool, dry, and dark environment, ideally with temperatures between 4.4°C and 10°C (40-50°F). Various mediums can be used for storage, including peat moss, wood shavings, or vermiculite, which help maintain appropriate humidity levels. Tubers can also be individually wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent contact and reduce moisture loss. Ensure good air circulation around the stored tubers to prevent rot. Check tubers monthly throughout winter for any signs of rot or shriveling, adjusting storage conditions as needed.